Cho, 45, was fired by Blazers owner Paul Allen in late May after less than a year as G.M.. He is well-known for his use of statistical analysis to make decisions.

"He has a unique set of skills that I don't possess," Higgins told the Observer in an interview Monday. "His analytical mind is a big plus for us. His legal background (Cho also is a lawyer) is a big plus for us."

"I'm a traditional basketball guy, and Rich is a very untraditional addition to our operation here."

Higgins told the Observer he lobbied team owner Michael Jordan to bring in Cho soon after the Blazers fired him.

Cho will try to improve a Bobcats roster he helped shape last February. He dealt forward Dante Cunningham, center Joel Przybilla, forward/center Sean Marks and two first-round draft picks to Charlotte for All-Star forward Gerald Wallace. One of those picks is the 19th overall in this year's draft. The Bobcats also have their own pick, No. 9 overall.

"There's huge value in getting this done prior to this draft," Higgins told the Observer.

Cho was succinct when asked about his new team's needs.

"I think we need some shooting and another big man," Cho told the Observer.